V-Flyer

So after my whirlwind trip to the DC area it was time to think about home. I stayed the night before the flight at the Marriott Dulles Airport hotel which was fine, slightly dated but comfortable.

Left the hotel and walked across the car parks and down through the Underground walk-way to the terminal. I arrived (very early) at 1430 and the VS check in area was just coming to life

I was processed quickly and politely and I was on my way through security which was sooooo quiet and up to the Clubhouse. I was welcomed warmly and made myself comfortable as I had some work to do. I was kept entertained by the really friendly staff who did look after me with drinks and food - the Chicken curry was good. Nothing was too much trouble for them as always

At 1745 the flight was called and I walked across the concourse to the gate where "Miss England" was waiting. Welcomed on board and it was the same crew as the outbound which after a lack-lusture flight out didnt fill me with great confidence. But I was sat on the other side of the cabin and was quickly welcomed by the crew member with a glass of champagne and a sleep-suit.

It took a while for everyone to get organised and drink refills were offered followed by newspapers. The amenity kit and menu were on the ottoman already.

The VS station manager for IAD came through and thanked everyone for flying VS and wished us a good flight which has never happened before out of IAD but I thought was a nice touch

Pushed back at 1830 and airborne at 1850 with a flight time of 6hrs 45mins promised. Once airborne, hot towels were offered, drink orders taken and then quickly dispatched with crisps. The flight was two crew down and the FSM explained the crew would do all they could to make sure service standards were maintained but to be patient please at busy times!

Drinks out of the way and dinner orders taken, refills were offered to those that wished them and then tables were laid for dinner. I had the Sweetcorn chowder which was good and then the Seared beef sirloin which was a huge piece of meat but needed more red wine sauce, so rather dry. The other choices were Chicken breast filled with mushrooms or rolled lasagne which have been on the menu for months and months and I have more times than I care to think about

I passed on the dessert of Lemon and vanilla cheesecake and indeed the cheese plate but finished off with another glass of wine though a white and a red were missing from the selection having been consumed on the way out......

The crew member my side was friendly and we chatted a little about Mumbai where I use to live and work as she was going to the Mumbai for the first time soon. She had also recognised me from the flight out. I will say it was chaos again on the other side as the cabin crew member who had served me that side on the way out, was dropping plates and smashing glasses -he was certainly quick as a flash but he had an air of chaos around him so I think I chose the better side for the night flight....

I made my own bed up without any problems but my word it feels tight when in the bed position as I remembered, certainly around the head and shoulders but as a seat perfectly fine. I cat-napped for a couple of hours and then put my seat back up and watched a little TV and listened to some music. I went to the bar for a muffin and some juice.

Before landing more bottles of juice and muffins were offered to everyone and I didnt see many with cereals or the bacon butty.

With the cabin secured we touched down at 0645 after a little holding. Left and headed to revivals though immigration was busy and it took about 25mins to get through. Revivals was as wonderful as ever with a refreshing shower, good coffee and great breakfast.

So have my views changed on the A330s - I think they have when the seat is used just as a seat, its fine and though not perfect I can live with it......as a bed which I guess is why we really choose to fly UC its difficult - it feels cramped and is really tight. The cabin as we know feels and looks cramped too but I do like the look and feel of the dream suite, so the jury is still out for me I guess, but I would not be as adverse to flying again which I certainly was after my first flight in the dream suite....so maybe, just maybe I am starting to get use to it.

The crew were poor generally - two down will not have helped at all but the FSM was not at all visible and actually the other FSM acting as the CSS for UC was just plain poor - hate to say that as she was from Yorkshire herself but she lacked the enthusiam to engage and the lack of leadership showed in every aspect of the service delivery.

VS can and often does better - think I was just unlucky.

Thanks for the TR, shame about the mediocre crew